A recent analysis from the U.S. Forest Service found that urban tree loss has affected many cities across the nation, with 20 specific cities being analyzed in depth. The analysis found that approximately four million trees are lost each year on average, which is accounting for other problems such as higher heating and cooling costs. Each tree accounts for $2500 in these types of services during its lifetime, as well a many other environmental benefits such as producing more oxygen,  increasing the value of a neighborhood and providing extra privacy.

Urban tree loss occurs for a variety of reasons such as drought, storm damage, insect invasion and the poor maintenance of trees. Studies show that planting new trees is more cost-effective than not replacing them, as the benefits they provide to our neighborhoods far outweigh their initial costs. Thankfully, there have been many organizations that have increased the number of trees being planted, as well as more social awareness regarding the benefits of trees.

Nevertheless, urban areas are still losing more than what’s being planted, as the newly planted trees are not nearly enough to offset the loss that is occurring. At this time, there needs to be more widespread programs across the U.S. that focus on increasing the overall tree canopy as opposed to the smaller non-profit groups that are specific to their own areas.

Since it can be hard to assess the change in tree cover over the years, some cities have taken advantage of new apps that are on the market that show an aerial view from today and previous years. This makes it easy to see the difference in tree cover, plus locate areas that were once graced by trees and now sit bare. These apps are useful tools that determine the best places to plant trees so that cities can work together to make this happen.

Producing more tree growth should be a collective effort of cities across the U.S. so that we can make up for the loss that has been experienced over the decades.

Image Source: redwoodhikes.com